Things to Do in Vilnius in Autumn 2026
Looking for things to do in Vilnius in autumn 2026? September, October and November are a great time to visit the Lithuanian capital. The summer crowds gradually disappear, the city becomes cosier, while the cultural calendar gets even busier. Autumn in Vilnius brings major city festivals, fairs, a marathon, theatre and jazz festivals, ArtVilnius, Gastronomy Week and Scanorama. Here are the main events worth planning your trip around.
Things to Do in Vilnius in September 2026
Vilnius Capital Days
Autumn begins with one of the biggest celebrations in Vilnius – Vilnius Capital Days. For several days, the city centre turns into one huge festival venue. Concerts, performances, exhibitions and different activities take place throughout the streets. Gediminas Avenue hosts a large fair with food, crafts and entertainment.
It is a great time for a first introduction to the city. You can combine the festival with a walk through Vilnius Old Town and Užupis.
When? 4–6 September 2026:
Where? Vilnius city centre:
Price: Most of the city programme is free.
Vilnius Is My City
On 5 September, Bernardine Garden hosts the international festival Vilnius Is My City. It celebrates people of different nationalities who now call Vilnius home. Representatives of more than 140 countries live in the city, and the festival brings together their cultures, music and culinary traditions. In 2026, the central idea of the festival will be one large shared table, symbolically bringing together Vilnius’ international community.
Vilnius is also a perfect city for themed tours. The Vilnius Relax team can introduce you to the Polish, Belarusian, Russian, Soviet, Jewish, German and Tatar heritage of the Lithuanian capital.
When? 5 September 2026:
Where? Bernardine Garden:
Price: Free
Vilnius Gallery Weekend
Contemporary art lovers should plan their visit between 10 and 13 September. Vilnius Gallery Weekend brings together galleries, art spaces and cultural institutions across the city. Visitors can discover new exhibitions, meet artists and attend special events. It is also a great reason to explore Vilnius beyond the traditional tourist route. Many interesting galleries are located in Naujamiestis and other contemporary districts of the city.
When? 10–13 September 2026.
Where? Galleries and art spaces across Vilnius.
Loftas Fest’26
Another major September event is Loftas Fest’26, returning on 11–12 September. LOFTAS is one of the best-known alternative cultural venues in Vilnius. The festival traditionally combines music, contemporary art and urban culture. It is a great choice if you want to discover a less classical and more alternative side of the Lithuanian capital.
When? 11–12 September 2026.
Where? Arts Factory LOFTAS.
Vilnius Marathon
On 13 September, the city centre will host Lithuania’s biggest running event – the Swedbank Vilnius Marathon. The programme includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km and 5 km races, as well as runs for children. Even if you are not planning to participate, the event is worth seeing. The historic centre fills with runners, supporters and music.
When? 13 September 2026.
Where? Vilnius city centre.
Keep in mind that some streets will be closed to traffic that day, so it is best to explore the centre on foot.
Vilnius Relax tip: Vilnius will be particularly busy on marathon day. If you still want to enjoy something active, we recommend kayaking or heading outside the city for dog trekking.
Tautų mugė – Nations Fair
From 18 to 20 September, Vilnius Old Town hosts the Nations Fair – Tautų mugė. It is one of the most enjoyable autumn festivals for visitors. The streets fill with artisans, national cuisines and cultural spaces representing different communities. You can try food from different countries, buy handmade products and enjoy live performances.
When? 18–20 September 2026.
Where? Vilnius Old Town.
Price: Free.
Vilnius Relax tip: If you are visiting Vilnius for a corporate event, you can explore different cuisines in a more exclusive format by booking a themed tasting. We can also arrange a private cooking class based on almost any cuisine. Contact the Vilnius Relax team and we will help organise it.
Sirenos International Theatre Festival
At the end of September, one of the most important theatre events of the year begins. The Sirenos International Theatre Festival brings together Lithuanian and international productions.
Performances take place in different theatres and cultural venues around Vilnius. The programme is not limited to traditional theatre: Sirenos is known for contemporary formats, experimentation and current social themes.
When? 23 September – 8 October 2026.
Where? Various venues across Vilnius.
If you are visiting Vilnius in late September or early October, it is worth checking the programme in advance.
Things to Do in Vilnius in October 2026
October is a month of art, theatre and music. Golden autumn makes Vilnius especially beautiful for walks, while cooler evenings are perfect for exhibitions and concerts.
ArtVilnius’26
One of the biggest cultural events of the autumn is the international contemporary art fair ArtVilnius’26. In 2026, it will take place for the seventeenth time. ArtVilnius is considered the largest contemporary art fair in the Baltic States. Galleries, artists, curators and collectors come together under one roof. Visitors can discover paintings, sculptures, installations and performances, while special programmes focus on major art projects and emerging artists. The 2026 focus will be on Vilnius, Vienna and Warsaw. If you enjoy contemporary art, we also recommend a special Vilnius art tour organised by Vilnius Relax.
When? 1–4 October 2026.
Where? LITEXPO, Laisvės pr. 5.
ArtVilnius is worth visiting even if you do not usually attend art fairs. It is an easy way to see a wide selection of contemporary art from the region in one place.
Vilnius Jazz
From 14 to 18 October, the city hosts the international Vilnius Jazz festival, one of Lithuania’s best-known jazz events.
Its programme goes far beyond traditional jazz, featuring improvisational, experimental and contemporary music performed by Lithuanian and international artists.
When? 14–18 October 2026.
Where? Various venues across Vilnius.
Vilnius Relax tip: Vilnius Jazz is an excellent addition to a relaxed autumn city break. Spend the daytime exploring the city and head to a concert in the evening.
Things to Do in Vilnius in November 2026
November in Vilnius is quieter and more intimate. It is a perfect time for cinema, restaurants, museums and cozy evenings in the Old Town. If you are wondering things to do in Vilnius in autumn 2026, here are some of our top recommendations for November.
European Film Forum Scanorama
The main film event of the autumn is Scanorama. In 2026, the festival takes place from 5 to 22 November. The programme includes European cinema, new works by emerging and established directors, and special film programmes. Scanorama takes place in several Lithuanian cities, but Vilnius remains one of its main locations. It is an especially good option for a rainy November day. Combine a film screening with dinner or an evening walk through Vilnius Old Town.
When? 5–22 November 2026.
Where? Cinemas in Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities.
Lithuanian Gastronomy Week
From 9 to 15 November, Lithuanian Gastronomy Week takes place across the city. Vilnius restaurants prepare special menus and tasting offers, with dozens of local chefs taking part. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover contemporary Lithuanian cuisine, where traditional ingredients are often presented in completely new ways.
When? 9–15 November 2026.
Where? Restaurants across Vilnius.
Vilnius Relax tip: Popular restaurants are best booked in advance during Gastronomy Week. You can also add a private tasting or cooking class to your Vilnius programme.
The Beginning of the Christmas Season
During the final days of November, the atmosphere in Vilnius gradually begins to change. Festive lights appear around the centre and preparations for the Christmas markets get underway. Cathedral Square traditionally becomes the main focal point, with the city’s main Christmas tree installed here.
The exact opening date of the 2026 Christmas season has not yet been announced, so it is worth checking the latest city programme closer to your trip.
What else can you add to an autumn trip to Vilnius?
Here are a few more ideas if you are still wondering things to do in Vilnius in autumn 2026.
September and the first half of October are perfect for walking. You can take a guided tour of Vilnius or explore Užupis. Trakai, Kernavė and other Lithuanian castles are particularly beautiful in autumn, when golden forests and lakes create a completely different atmosphere from summer. We also highly recommend dog trekking in Neris Regional Park.
In good weather, you can add a hot-air balloon flight, quad biking or buggy driving. On rainy days, explore the underground spaces of Vilnius, book a tasting or join a cooking class.
For a slower trip, spend a few days in a forest cabin. Another option is to combine Vilnius with a countryside SPA retreat or an equestrian holiday.
Plan your autumn in Vilnius with Vilnius Relax
Still not sure things to do in Vilnius in autumn 2026? Vilnius Relax can turn a visit to one of these festivals into a complete trip.
We can organise guided tours, transfers, activities and day trips outside the city. We can also create a tailor-made programme for a couple, family or corporate group. If the weather turns bad, we will suggest suitable indoor alternatives.